Kids' books we love

Written by: Heather Hartt-Sussman
Illustrated by: Genevieve Cote
Tundra Books, $20
Ages: 2-5

Noni has no clue what to expect at kindergarten, and her worries have her dreaming up all sorts of silly situations.

Written by: Severine Cordier
Illustrated by: Cynthia Lacroix
OwlKids Books, $17
Ages: 2-4

This back-to-school primer covers everything from making friends to picture day with simple text and cute illustrations.

Written by: Kate Messner
Illustrated by: Andy Rash
Chronicle Books, $17
Ages: 3-5

Despite his pushy new classmate's behaviour, a sea monster tries to include the big-talking fish in some schoolyard fun.

Written by: John David Anderson
Waldon Pond Press, $19
Ages 8-12

Middle school is hard enough for Drew, but things get even more complicated with the arrival of a supervillain.

Written by: Aaron Reynolds
Illustrated by: Dan Santat
Chronicle Kids, $20
Ages 4-8

Three meat-eaters do their best to go vegetarian as they try to gain more friends in the animal kingdom.

Written and illustrated by: Xavier Deneux
Chronicle Kids, $17
Ages 0-3

Little ones will love exploring this board book, featuring raised and inset die-cut pictures to illustrate opposites.

Written by: Julia Donaldson
Illustrated by: Axel Scheffler
Scholastic, $10
Ages: 2-5

A storytelling fish gets swept up in an unbelievable underwater adventure and must use his imagination to find his way home.

Written by: Cecil Castellucci
Illustrated by: Sara Varon
Raincoast Books, $19
Ages: 6-10

Kids and parents will dig this quirky and playful story of two very different ducks who question what "normal" really means when they become neighbours.

Written and illustrated by: Chieu Ahn Urban
Scholastic, $8
Ages: 0-3

Transportation takes on a whole new look when vehicles are created with geometric shapes, like squares, circles and hears.

Written by Cory Silverberg, illustrated by Fiona Smyth
Seven Stories Press, $13
Ages: 4-8

This vivid picture book teaches children about conception, gestation and birth — while being inclusive to all kinds of families.

Written by J. Torres, illustrated by J. Lum,
Tundra Books, $9
Ages: 0-4

Join these friends in their rhyming adventure to the seaside, where they count all of the cute critters they meet.

Written and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
HarperCollins, $20
Ages: 0-5

When an argument breaks out among these quirky characters, no one can remember who started it — or what they’re even fighting about.

Written by Sherri Duskey Rinker, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
Raincoast Books, $19
Ages: 3-5

Beautiful illustrations and sweet rhymes tell the enchanting story of a steam train staffed by juggling monkeys and crane-operating giraffes

Written and illustrated by Frank Viva
HarperCollins, $20
Ages: 3-6

Soar above the universe or plunge down into the deepest ocean blue in this vertical tale of travel that can be read starting from the beginning or the end.

Written by Kyo Maclear
Illustrated by Matte Stephens
Kids Can Press, $19
Ages: 3-7

The charming story of an eccentric man who teaches a cautious boy the good that comes from embracing change.

Written and illustrated by Lorena Siminovich
Chronicle Books, $10
Ages: 0-4

This two-in-one board book introduces kids to baby animals (through an inset mini book) and their adult counterparts as they play together.

Written by: Ellis Weiner
Illustrated by: Jeremy Holmes
Chronicle Books, $19

An engaging narrator tells the hilarious story of twins Abigail and John, who must use their odd skills to save their father.

Written by: Sarah Tsiang
Illustrated by: Qin Leng
Annick Press, $10

The beautiful story of a young girl who builds a nest, and then lovingly looks after imaginary baby birds.

Written and Illustrated by: Penny Dale
Nosy Crow, $8

Join this unusual construction crew as they shovel, dump, mix and build their own swimming pool.

Written by: Hena Khan
Illustrated by: Mehrdokht Amini
Chronicle Books, $20

As Muslims celebrate the month of Ramadan, learn about Islamic culture and traditions through simple rhymes and vivid illustrations.

Written by: Tiffany Strelitz
Illustrated by: Kirstie Edmunds
Macmillan, $19

When a monster loses his “M” (for mean), he finds himself becoming a nice “onster,” despite his best efforts to fit in with his mischievous friends.

Written by: Chris Colfer
Illustrated by: Brandon Dorman
Little, Brown and Company, $20

Alex and Conner visit the fairy tale kingdom and become a part of their favourite storybook characters’ not-so-happily ever afters.

Written and illustrated by Nick Bland
Scholastic, $12

Unique dads are celebrated with beautiful illustrations and silly rhymes in this book that's perfect to share on Father's Day.

Written and illustrated by Peter Linenthal
Penguin Books, $8

Black and white prints with simple text show the wonder of everyday things like the sun shining, cars zooming and ladybugs flying.

Written by Amy Rosenthal
Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
Chronicle Books, $19

The combination of words and numbers result in a hilarious story (for kids and adults) that engages readers by having them decipher a cute code.

by Britta Teckentrup
Chronicle Books

Striped tigers, spotted leopards and a sneaky chameleon offer a fresh approach to exploring basic concepts such as patterns and colours.


Where to Buy?chapters.indigo.ca

by Helen Frost, photographs by Rick Lieder
Candlewick Press

Exquisite macro-photography and poetic text invite young readers into the wondrous world of insects: honeybees, crickets, spiders, moths and more.

Where to Buy?amazon.ca

by Caroline Adderson, illustrated by Ben Clanton
Kids Can Press

In this first book of the series, Jasper begins to worry about his status as Star of the Week after he is upstaged by a friend’s new baby sister.
Where to Buy?chapters.indigo.ca

By Kass Reich
Orca Book Publishers

When one hamster wants to play, nine friends can't stay away; they'll charm readers in this pleasantly goofy counting book about creative critters.
Where to Buy?Available at chapters.indigo.ca

By Melanie Walsh
Walker Books

Fun die-cuts with helpful cause-and-effect explanations, teach children about caring for the environment.
Where to Buy?Available at chapters.indigo.ca

By Ted Kooser
Candlewick Press

Kooser's quiet, poetic storytelling and beautiful illustrations reveal how nature has the power to lift us up.
Where to Buy?Available at chapters.indigo.ca

10 books to read to your kids now> Here are our picks for the best kids’ books that recently hit the shelves.